RD-1 - worth it to get one now?

thinkfloyd

thinkfloyd

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I will soon be springing (splurging is more apt) for an RD-1 real soon. It is the kind of camera I have been looking for, for a long time. Analog controls, small, low profile, with lots of lens options (same reason why I went Pentax with my DSLR choice, lens options). However, the price is nothing to scoff at, even used it is quite an expensive piece of equipment. I do not mind the 6mp sensor (my current walkaround is a 6mp DSLR, though still quite large). Though it is close to 5 years old now, my question is, is it still worth it to get one now? 5 year old tech with a premium modern day price is not that easy to justify, hence my post here... the M8 is too expensive and not an option (for now :D )...

BTW, I intend to pair it with a Nokton 40/1.4...
 
If you insist in having a dRF, there are only two options: R-D1 or M8.
As the M8 is too expensive for you (at the moment ;)), there's only the R-D1 left.

IMHO, however, it is overpriced now and a used M8 is better value for money.

Cheers,
Uwe
 
Hmm, better value for money... how much does a used M8 go for these days? The cheapest? Maybe I can save up for it a little more (a couple of weeks eating ramen ain't so bad...). Though I dig the more analog controls of the RD-1...

edit: just checked ebay, the prices are double! Looks like the RD-1 is still my first (and only) choice...

BTW, if you guys feel the need to encourage or discourage me, please feel free to do so...
 
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I don't see the price dropping any time soon. The only competition they have in the dRF is the Leica M8, and it's cheaper than the Leica. Also, it's a very limited market. Small production rus alone will keep cost and ptrices high. Most amateurs prefer SLR's and aren't likely to buy a camera just because it'll take Leica M mount lenses.
 
The R-D1 is a wonderful camera, and different in many ways, some positive, from the M8. It was certainly worth it to me--I love the thing. But you just have to try it out and see how you like it.

If you have the money, buy one, use it for a few months, and sell it again if it doesn't suit you. You're unlikely to lose much money on the deal--they remain sought-after cameras.
 
I have my own DSLR, but I rarely use it save for paid shoots where it is vital to "impress" a client using a big camera with huge lenses... I'm looking at the RD-1 as a walkaround for everyday use. Maybe once in awhile I'll print, and I usually print up to 8x10 for personal use. Any larger, then I use the DSLR...
 
mabelsound said:
The R-D1 is a wonderful camera, and different in many ways, some positive, from the M8. It was certainly worth it to me--I love the thing. But you just have to try it out and see how you like it.

If you have the money, buy one, use it for a few months, and sell it again if it doesn't suit you. You're unlikely to lose much money on the deal--they remain sought-after cameras.
Click to expand...

That's exactly what I was thinking... though more as an investment than a buy and try camera, seeing as the RD-1 is a sought after camera...
 
Good question...this question is around my mind this few days...M8 should have been a better option, if its color shift problem has not bothered me...the problem for R-D1 is it's an outdated digital camera...with a relatively price tag attached around $1,250 to $1,500 US here in HK...cant make up my mind yet...
 
there are deals out there if you can luck into one.
my second rd1 body just arrived yesterday, i paid about half of what i paid for the first one.
i like the images i am getting from it so it doesn't matter to me how old the technology is. i prefer the rf experience and like the immediacy of digital and also have no need for the leica name to be on it.
 
@boris: the prices you quote are for new?

@backalley: actually, the reason why I considered the RD-1 is because I saw your "first shots" with it, and was amazed! I've no need of the leica name myself, which is why if ever I do get one, I'm planning to get the Nokton 40/1.4 (will be followed by a 21/4 and 75/2.5...)
 
Second hand M8 is around $2800-2900, can you afford that much, if not the R-D1 typically go for ~$1200. In fact I want to sell mine since I've got the M8, it's fine just that I don't have time for both :p
 
@hans: maybe you can sell me your RD-1 at a special price? :D As for a used M8, I don't think I can afford that much...

@backalley: correct... or one RD1 + a couple of good lenses for one M8...
 
thinkfloyd said:
@boris: hmmm, same as the RD-1 I've got my eye on... though HK is nearer, I might save on shipping...
Click to expand...

Dont get used to purchase via mail...particularly that HK is such a small place, people get better chance to view, touch and inspect before pay for the purchase...
At this price level for R-D1/s...still cant justify the purchase...but really want to have one...before a more advanced model/make comes...the struggle continues...:bang:
 
I don't know why people say the R-D1 is "outdated". The M8 is just as "outdated". The M8.2 has the exact same imaging system as the original M8. If a camera takes photos you like, it will never be outdated. You must disabuse yourself of the marketing hype that requires you to throw out a camera every 18 months just because there are newer models that supposedly make the old one "outdated". My R-D1 takes wonderful shots, I use it all the time. I print 19x11 inches with no problem. Buy it - you'll like it.

/T
 
I had been considering an RD1 and I think you guys have peruaded me more. Now I gotta find one I can afford. While I think of it can you guys tell me if the lenses I use on my CLE will be okay to use for now. I have the 40mm/2 Rokkor and a CV 25/4p.
 
the cle lenses will work fine.
just multiply focalength by 1.5 to get the 'new' focal length on the rd1.

my 35 is a 42 on the rd1 - a 40 will be a 60 and the 25 will be a 37.

i just bought a 15 which will give me a 22.

joe
 
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